An Apex teenager drowned at Jordan Lake on Monday evening during an outing with church friends at the popular state recreation area, authorities said.
Jordan Gibbs, 18, was reported missing by friends at 5:50 p.m. at the Ebenezer Church recreation area, according to park ranger Shederick Mole. His body was recovered about 7:30 p.m., Mole said.
Gibbs, a member of Calvary Chapel Cary, had gone to the lake with two or three other families to picnic and swim, church elder Scott Jackson said Tuesday. All were members of Calvary Chapel, but the outing was not an official church function, Jackson said.
Authorities said Gibbs swam toward a no-wake buoy 25 to 30 yards from the shoreline. When a friend turned around to swim back, Gibbs had disappeared, authorities said.
Jackson said Gibbs was involved in many activities at the Apex church. "He loved the Lord. The church was his life," Jackson said.
Jackson described him as out-going and friendly. "He's one of these guys everyone knew, very lively. He made you happy to be around him," Jackson said. "He was friends with practically everybody."
Jackson said Gibbs, who was home schooled, had recently finished his studies and was poised to enter the military. He said Gibbs was an excellent swimmer and had contemplated pursing a career as a military diver.
